JP7371912B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, gaming machines have been known that are capable of performing display performances using an image display device and performances using a performance button when a game ball enters a winning opening (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In such gaming machines, it is possible to perform display effects using character images and effects when the player presses an operation button.

JP 2019-18108 Publication

However, even with the above-mentioned gaming machines, there is still room for improvement in terms of technology for increasing the interest of gaming.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the interest of games.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following application examples.

[Application example 1]
Equipped with an operation section that can be operated by the player,
A gaming machine capable of executing an acquisition effect that is an effect of acquiring an information image indicating the degree of expectation for winning ,
In the acquisition performance,
a first acquisition effect that is executed when the operation unit is operated a predetermined number of times, and obtains a predetermined number of the information images based on the predetermined number of operations;
A second step that is executed when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the time when the operation of the operation section became effective regardless of the operation of the operation section, and that acquires a predetermined number of the information images based on the predetermined time. Includes acquisition performance and,
A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine. It is an enlarged view of display devices. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a main ROM and a main RAM. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a sub-ROM and a sub-RAM. It is a diagram for explaining a jackpot determination table T1. It is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table T5. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table T6 in a non-time saving state. It is an explanatory diagram of fluctuation pattern judgment table T6 in a time saving state. It is a flowchart of main control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of main side timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of special operation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of jackpot determination processing. 3 is a flowchart showing sub-control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of sub-side timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart of a fluctuating production start process. It is a flowchart of lottery processing for acquisition performance. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a distribution determination table. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation count determination table. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a timing determination table. It is a diagram for explaining acquisition effect A. It is a diagram for explaining acquisition effect B. It is a diagram for explaining acquisition effect C. It is a diagram for explaining acquisition effect D. It is a diagram for explaining acquisition effect E.

<First embodiment>
1. Structure of Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained so as to correspond to the left-right direction as seen from the player facing the gaming machine 1. Further, the forward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained as the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player, and the backward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained as the direction from the player toward the gaming machine 1.

The gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that fires game balls based on a player's firing operation, and when a game ball wins a prize in a specific winning device, pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the player based on the winning. be. The game machine 1 includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2, and the game board 2 is attached inside the game machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes, in addition to a front frame (front frame part) 53, an outer frame (base frame part) that forms the outer shell of the gaming machine, and an inner frame to which the gaming board 2 is attached inside the outer frame. We are prepared. The front frame (front frame portion) 53 is a vertically rectangular unit disposed on the front side of the outer frame and the inner frame, and includes a handle 60, a batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and an excess ball tray (lower tray). ) 62, a production button 63, a sword member 64, a sword button 65, a frame lamp 66, a speaker 67, a select button 68, and a frame movable body 600. An opening is formed in the center of the front frame 53, and the gaming area 3 of the gaming board 2 can be viewed through the opening.

The handle 60 is arranged at the lower end of the right side of the front frame 53, and causes the game ball to be launched with a firing intensity that corresponds to the rotation angle. A batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 is provided below the front frame 53 and stores game balls. The surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 is arranged below the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61. The performance button 63 is an operation unit disposed near the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and is operated (pressed) by the player during a performance performed as the game progresses. The sword member 64 is an operation part imitating the shape of a sword, and can be pushed downward by the player during performances performed as the game progresses. The sword button 65 is an operation unit provided at the upper end of the sword member 64, that is, at the end of the sword handle, and is operated (pressed) by the player during performances performed as the game progresses. Ru. The sword member 64 is configured to be able to perform two different operations: a first operation of pushing the entire sword member 64 downward, and a second operation of pressing the sword button 65 at the tip. The frame lamp 66 is arranged around the opening of the front frame 53, and performs a light emitting effect during a game or the like. The speakers 67 are arranged at the upper left and upper right of the front frame 53, and perform sound production during a game or the like. The select button 68 is a so-called cross key, and is composed of a left button, a right button, an upper button, and a lower button, and allows various inputs. The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper part of the front frame 53. The frame movable body 600 is configured to be movable from a stored state in which it is stored inside the front frame 53 to an exposed state in which it projects above the front frame 53.

The game board 2 includes a game area 3, a rail member 4, a board lamp 5, an image display device 7, a center decoration 10, a fixed winning device (belly button) 19, and a normal variable winning device (electronic chew) 22. , the gate (through chucker) 28, the first big winning device (first attacker) 31, the second big winning device (second attacker) 36, the general winning opening 27 (normal winning opening 27), and the out opening. 16 and display devices 40.

The game area 3 is an area where game balls shot by operating the handle 60 flow down, and a plurality of game nails for guiding the game balls are provided protrudingly. The rail member 4 is arranged at the left end of the game area 3 and guides the game ball launched by operating the handle 60 toward the upper side of the game area 3. The board lamp 5 is arranged on the back side of the game area 3, and emits light from the back side of the game area 3.

The image display device 7 is provided near the center of the gaming area 3 and includes a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a performance pattern display area in which performance patterns (decorative patterns) 8L, 8C, and 8R are variably displayed (also referred to as variable display), and a pending image display area in which pending images 9A and 9B are displayed. area, and a pending digested image display area in which the pending digested image 9C is displayed. The hold images 9A and 9B are images representing hold, and are also called hold icons 9A and 9B. The pending digested image 9C is an image representing the pending, and is also referred to as the pending image 9C or the pending icon 9C.

The performance symbol display area includes three symbol display areas: "left", "middle", and "right". A left presentation pattern (left decorative pattern) 8L is displayed in the left pattern display area. A medium performance pattern (medium decorative pattern) 8C is displayed in the medium pattern display area. A right effect pattern (right decorative pattern) 8R is displayed in the right pattern display area. The performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are composed of a plurality of symbols representing numbers from "1" to "9", for example. The variable display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which will be described later. The image display device 7 displays a first special symbol displayed by a first special symbol display 41a and a second special symbol display 41b, which will be described later, by a combination of effect symbols displayed in the left, middle, and right symbol display areas. The result of variable display of the second special symbol (big hit lottery result) can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player.

For example, in the case of winning a jackpot, the effect pattern is stopped and displayed as a zero number such as "777". If it is a miss, the effect pattern is stopped and displayed with a miss, such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. The player can grasp the jackpot lottery result not only on the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b but also on the image display device 7. Note that the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed. Furthermore, the manner in which the performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner may be a manner in which they are scrolled in the vertical direction, or may be in any other manner. The combination of performance symbols to be stopped and displayed according to each lottery result is not limited to the above and can be arbitrarily set. Hereinafter, the performance that displays the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will also be referred to as a "variable performance of performance symbols," a "variable display of decorative symbols," or simply a "variable performance." In addition, for this decorative pattern variation performance, the performance during the period from when the special symbol starts changing until it stops (also referred to as a special symbol variation period) is counted as one variation performance. Therefore, even if there is a case where the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped during the period from when the special pattern starts changing until it stops, the performance of the temporary stop is included in the fluctuating performance of the decorative pattern.

The image display device 7 can display on the display screen 7a, in addition to the performance symbol variation performance, a jackpot performance that is performed in parallel with a jackpot game (an example of a special game), a demonstration performance for waiting for customers, etc. In the performance symbol variation performance, performance images such as background images and character images may also be displayed in addition to the performance symbols. In addition to the production pattern, the image display device 7 also includes an identification display (fourth pattern, not shown) that can indicate that the special pattern is changing or indicate the lottery result of the special pattern. may be displayed on the display screen 7a. Note that the identification display (fourth symbol) may be displayed by a light emitting device such as an LED provided in the game area 3.

The reserved image display area is a first reserved display area that displays reserved images 9A according to the number of stored first special figures reserved, which will be described later, and a reserved image 9B that displays reserved images 9B according to the number of stored second special figures reserved, which will be described later. and a second hold display area. By displaying the holding images 9A and 9B, the stored number of first special figure holdings displayed on the first special figure holding display 43a, which will be described later, and the number of second special figure holdings displayed on the second special figure holding display 43b are determined. The number of memories can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player. The pending digest image display area includes a pending digest display area that displays the pending digest image 9C. The pending digesting image 9C corresponds to the production symbols (production symbols 8L, 8C, 8R) currently being changed on the display screen 7a, and depending on the display of the pending digesting image 9C, the first special symbol pending or the second special symbol pending It is possible to clearly display to the player that the special drawing reservation has been completed ("extinction of special drawing reservation" to be described later).

A first board movable body 14 (also referred to as the first movable accessory 14), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is provided below the image display device 7. The first movable accessory 14 is configured such that a plate-shaped member is movable up and down. The first movable accessory 14 normally stands still at a retracted position below the display device 7 (FIG. 1), and can move upward (advance) from the retracted position and come to rest at the advanced position. The first movable accessory 14 covers a part of the image display device 7 when stopped at the advanced position.

The center decoration 10 is located near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7. A second board movable body 15 (also referred to as a second movable accessory 15), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is attached to the center decoration body 10. A stage part 11 is formed at the lower part of the center decoration body 10. The stage part 11 has a shape that can guide a game ball rolling on the upper surface of the stage part 11 to a first starting port 20, which will be described later. A warp portion 12 is provided at the lower left of the center decorative body 10. The warp section 12 includes an inlet section through which game balls flow in and an outlet section through which game balls flow out, and causes the game balls that flowed in through the inlet section to flow out to the stage section 11 through the exit section.

The fixed winning device (belly button) 19 is arranged below the image display device 7 in the gaming area 3, and is located at a first starting hole (first starting winning hole, first ball entering hole) where the ease of entering the game ball always remains constant. (fixed starting port) 20. The winning of the game ball into the first starting hole 20 is an opportunity for a first special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). In other words, the winning of the game ball into the first starting hole 20 is an opportunity for obtaining a jackpot random number and the like and determining a jackpot.

The normal variable prize winning device (electronic chew) 22 is arranged below the first starting hole 20 in the gaming area 3, and includes a second starting hole (second starting winning hole, second ball entering hole, variable starting hole) 21. ing. The winning of the game ball into the second starting hole 21 is an opportunity for a second special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). The electric chew 22 includes a movable member 23 in front of the second starting port 21, and the second starting port 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by an electric chew solenoid 24 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in an open state. Note that the electric chew 22 only needs to enter the second starting port 21 more easily when the movable member 23 is in the open state than when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. It may be possible for the ball to enter the ball.

The gate (through chucker) 28 is arranged above the first big prize winning device (first attacker) 31 in the game area 3, and is configured to allow the game ball to pass through. Passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is an opportunity for a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not to release the electric chew 22. In other words, the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is a trigger for obtaining a normal symbol random number (a winning random number) and determining a winning number.

Here, the "special symbol lottery" means that when a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, a random number for special symbol determination is acquired, and this acquired random number is used as a predetermined random number. It is a process of determining whether or not it is a jackpot by comparing it with the value corresponding to the "jackpot". The lottery result of this "jackpot" is not immediately notified to the player, but the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on a first special symbol display 41a or a second special symbol display 41b, which will be described later, and a predetermined variation is made. When the time has elapsed, the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed (determined display), and the player is notified of the lottery result. In the image display device 7, a pattern matching game is performed in which performance symbols are variably displayed in synchronization with the variably displayed special symbols, and the jackpot lottery result is more effectively notified to the player by this symbol matching game.

In addition, "normal symbol lottery" means that when a game ball passes through the gate 28, a random number for determining a normal symbol is obtained, and this obtained random number is compared with a predetermined value corresponding to a "win". It is a process of determining whether or not it is a hit by doing so. Regarding the lottery result of this normal symbol, the lottery result is not announced immediately after the game ball passes through the gate 28, but the normal symbol is displayed fluctuating on the regular symbol display 42, which will be described later, and a predetermined fluctuation is performed. When the time has elapsed, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is displayed (lit or extinguished) and the player is notified of the lottery result.

The first big winning device (first attacker, first special variable winning device) 31 is arranged at the upper right of the first starting opening 20 in the gaming area 3, and is connected to the first big winning opening (first special winning opening) 30. , a V region 39, a non-V region 70, and a V opening/closing member 71. The first big prize opening 30 includes an opening/closing member (first special winning opening opening/closing member) 32 that allows or inhibits reception of game balls through a swing-type opening/closing operation. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by the first big prize opening solenoid 33 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the first big prize opening 30 when the opening/closing member 32 is in an open state.

The first big prize winning device 31 includes a V area (specific area) 39, a V area sensor 39a (FIG. 3), a non-V area (non-specific area) 70, and a non-V area sensor 70a (FIG. 3). , a first big prize opening sensor 30a (FIG. 3), a V opening/closing member 71, and a V opening/closing member solenoid 73 (FIG. 3). The V area (specific area) 39 and the non-V area (non-specific area) 70 are configured as areas through which the game ball that has passed through the first grand prize opening 30 can pass inside the first grand prize winning device 31. . The first big winning hole sensor 30a is arranged upstream of the V area 39 and the non-V area 70, and detects the winning of a game ball into the first big winning hole 30. The V area sensor 39a is arranged in the V area 39 and detects passage of a game ball to the V area 39. The non-V area sensor 70a is arranged in the non-V area 70 and detects passage of a game ball to the non-V area 70. The V opening/closing member 71 distributes the game balls that have passed through the first big prize opening 30 to either the V area 39 or the non-V area 70. The V opening/closing member solenoid 73 drives the V opening/closing member 71. The V opening/closing member 71 is configured to rotate (clockwise and counterclockwise with respect to the game board 2), and when the V opening/closing member solenoid 73 is energized, it rotates counterclockwise from the origin position to move the game ball. It is in the first state (rotating state) in which it distributes to the V area 39, and when the V opening/closing member solenoid 73 is not energized, it is in the second state (stopping state) in which it is located at the origin and distributes game balls to the non-V area 70. . In addition, the V opening/closing member 71 is not limited to rotational movement, but may have the function of distributing the game ball that has passed through the first big prize opening 30 to either the V area 39 or the non-V area 70, for example, It may be configured to move in the front and back direction with respect to the game board 2. That is, when the V opening/closing member solenoid 73 is energized, the game ball is distributed to the V area 39 in a retracted state (first state), and when the V opening/closing member solenoid 73 is not energized, the game ball is distributed to the non-V area 70 in the advancing state. (Second state). In addition, in the gaming machine 1, passage of the game ball to the V area 39 is an opportunity for transition to a high probability state, which will be described later. In other words, the V area 39 serves as a variable probability operation opening. On the other hand, the non-V region 70 does not serve as a variable probability operation opening. The first big winning device 31 of this embodiment further includes a first big winning device discharge sensor (not shown) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the first big winning device 31. The first big winning device discharge sensor is provided at a point where the V area 39 and the non-V area 70 merge downstream, and counts the number of game balls that have passed through the V area sensor 39a or the non-V area sensor 70a.

The second big prize winning device (second attacker, second special variable winning device) 36 is arranged at the upper right of the first big winning hole 30 in the gaming area 3, and the second big winning hole (second special winning hole) 35 It is equipped with The second big prize opening 35 includes an opening/closing member (second special winning opening opening/closing member, movable member) 37 that obstructs or allows reception of game balls by a swing-type opening/closing operation. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by the second large prize opening solenoid 38 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the second big prize opening 35 when the opening/closing member 37 is in an open state.

The general winning hole 27 is provided at the lower part of the gaming area 3. The out port 16 is provided at the lower part of the game area 3, and discharges game balls that have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 3. The display devices 40 are arranged near the center on the right side of the game board 2. Details of the display devices 40 will be described later.

The gaming area 3 includes a left gaming area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right gaming area 3B on the right side. A hitting method in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called "left-handed hitting." On the other hand, a hitting method in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called "right-handed hitting." In the gaming machine 1, it is possible to aim for winning in the first starting opening 20 by playing left-handed. On the other hand, the configuration is such that by hitting right, you can aim to pass through the gate 28 and win into the second starting opening 21, the first big winning opening 30, and the second big winning opening 35.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the displays 40. The displays 40 include a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol reservation display 43a, and a second special symbol reservation display 43b. , and a general figure reservation display 44. The first special symbol display 41a variably displays the first special symbol. The second special symbol display 41b variably displays the second special symbol. The normal symbol display 42 variably displays normal symbols. The first special symbol reservation display 43a displays the number of stored operation reservations (first special symbol reservation) of the first special symbol display 41a. The second special symbol reservation display 43b displays the number of stored operation reservations (second special symbol reservation) of the second special symbol display 41b. The normal symbol reservation display 44 displays the number of stored operation reservations (common symbol reservations) of the ordinary symbol display 42. The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the landing of a game ball into the first starting port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is triggered by the landing of a game ball into the second starting port 21. Below, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are also collectively referred to as a "special symbol." Further, the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b are also collectively referred to as the "special symbol display 41." In addition, the first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b are also collectively referred to as the "special figure holding display 43."

The special symbol display device 41 displays a special symbol (identification information) in a variable manner (fluctuating display) and then stops displaying the special symbol (identification information). , jackpot lottery) results. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed (stop symbol, special symbol that is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display) is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by special symbol lottery. If the stopped symbol is a special symbol (jackpot symbol) with a predetermined jackpot stopping pattern, the first jackpot 30 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed (the type of jackpot that was won). Alternatively, a special game (jackpot game) in which the second big prize opening 35 is opened is played. In addition, the opening pattern of the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 and second big winning hole 35) in the special game will be described later.

The special symbol display 41 is composed of eight LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol according to the result of the special symbol winning lottery depending on the lighting mode. For example, if you win a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), you can enter one or two from the left like "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: off). , 5th and 6th LEDs are lit to display jackpot symbols. If it is a loss, a losing symbol such as "●●●●●●●○" is displayed with only the rightmost LED lit. A mode may be adopted in which all the LEDs are turned off as a losing symbol. Before the special symbols are stopped and displayed, the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner (variable display) for a predetermined variable time. For example, each LED may be turned on so that light repeatedly flows from left to right. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode, and can be any lighting mode as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lit display in a specific mode). For example, the variable display mode may be such that all LEDs blink at the same time.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21, the values (numerical information) of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers obtained for that winning are , is temporarily stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e (FIG. 5). Specifically, if the winning is in the first starting opening 20, it is stored in the first special drawing holding storage area (FIG. 5) as the first special drawing holding, and if it is winning in the second starting opening 21, It is stored as a second special figure reservation in the second special figure reservation storage area (FIG. 5). There is an upper limit to the number of special figure reservations that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage area 84e, and the upper limit in this embodiment is 4 for both the first special figure reservation storage area and the second special figure reservation storage area. It becomes. The special figure reservation stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e is consumed when variable display of special symbols based on the special figure reservation becomes possible. "Extinguishing the special symbol reservation" refers to determining the jackpot random number etc. corresponding to the special symbol reservation and executing a variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, if the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of a game ball to the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, the variable display of the special symbol is executed. Even if a prize is won during execution of a medium or special game, the right to draw a jackpot for that prize can be reserved up to a predetermined number of prizes. The number of special figure reservations is displayed on the special figure reservation display 43. The first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b each include, for example, four LEDs. Each special figure reservation display 43 displays the number of special symbols reserved by lighting up LEDs corresponding to the number of special symbols reserved.

The variable display of the normal symbols is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 28. The normal symbol display device 42 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 by displaying the normal symbols variably (fluctuatingly displaying) and then stop displaying them. The normal pattern that is stopped and displayed (the normal pattern that is stopped and the normal pattern that is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one normal pattern that is selected from a plurality of types of normal patterns by a normal pattern lottery. When the normal pattern stopping pattern is a predetermined specific normal pattern (normal pattern with a predetermined stopping pattern, that is, a normal winning pattern), an auxiliary game that opens the second starting port 21 in an opening pattern according to the current game state. will be held. Note that the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 will be described later.

The normal symbol display 42 is composed of two LEDs, and displays a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery depending on the lighting mode. For example, if the lottery result is a win, a normal winning symbol with both LEDs lit, such as "○○" (○: lit, ●: off), is displayed. If the lottery result is a loss, a normal loss symbol such as "●○" with only the right LED lit is displayed. A mode in which all the LEDs are turned off as a normal losing symbol may be adopted. Before the normal symbols are stopped and displayed, the normal symbols are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time. As for the variable display mode, for example, both LEDs may be lit alternately. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode, and can be any lighting mode as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lit display in a specific mode). For example, the variable display mode may be such that all the LEDs blink at the same time.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) obtained for the passage is stored as a normal symbol in the normal symbol retention storage area 84f (FIG. 5). Once it is memorized. There is an upper limit to the number of general figure reservations that can be stored in the ordinary figure reservation storage area 84f, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is four. The general symbol reservation stored in the ordinary symbol reservation storage area 84f is consumed when the variable display of the ordinary symbol based on the ordinary symbol reservation becomes possible. The extinguishing of a normal symbol reservation means to determine the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the ordinary symbol reservation, and to execute a variable display of the ordinary symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, if the variable display of the normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, when the variable display of the normal symbols is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed, winnings will be won. Even if there is, it is possible to reserve the right to draw a normal symbol lottery for the passing of a predetermined number of symbols as an upper limit. The number of general drawings on hold is displayed on the general drawing holding display 44. The common picture reservation display 44 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of common pictures pending by lighting up the LEDs for the number of common pictures pending.

2. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machine The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 80 (FIG. 3), a sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4), an image control board 100 (FIG. 4), a lamp control board 107 (FIG. 4), and an audio control board 106 (FIG. 4). FIG. 4) and a payout control board 110 (FIG. 3). The main control board 80 is a game control board that controls gaming profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, and constitutes a main control section. The sub-control board 90 is an effect control board that controls the effects to be executed as the game progresses, and together with the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, and the audio control board 106, constitutes a sub-control unit. Note that the sub-control unit can be configured as long as it includes at least the sub-control board 90.

The main control board 80 includes a game control microcomputer 81 and an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the main control board 80, and controls the progress of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a main ROM 83 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a main RAM 84 that is used as a work memory, a main CPU 82 that executes the programs stored in the main ROM 83, and a timer. It includes an RTC 85 and a FRAM (registered trademark) 86. The RTC 85 and FRAM 86 are backed up by a primary battery or a secondary battery (not shown). Therefore, the RTC 85 continues to measure time even when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off, and the FRAM 86 continues to hold its stored contents. Details of the data stored in the main ROM 83 and details of the storage area provided in the main RAM 84 will be described later. The main ROM 83 may be configured as an external ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 87. The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81.

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 and a relay board 88. The main control board 80 receives signals output from each sensor and outputs signals to each solenoid. The sensors connected via the relay board 88 include the first starting port sensor 20a, the second starting port sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first big winning port sensor 30a, the second big winning port sensor 35a, and the V area. The sensor 39a, the non-V area sensor 70a, and the normal winning opening sensor 27a are exemplified. Examples of the solenoids connected via the relay board 88 include the electric chew solenoid 24, the first big winning hole solenoid 33, the second big winning hole solenoid 38, and the V opening/closing member solenoid 73. The first starting port sensor 20a is provided inside the first starting port 20, and detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 20. The second starting port sensor 21a is provided inside the second starting port 21, and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the second starting port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The first big winning hole sensor 30a is provided inside the first big winning hole 30, and detects a game ball that has won in the first big winning hole 30. The second big winning hole sensor 35a is provided inside the second big winning hole 35, and detects the game ball that has entered the second big winning hole 35. The V area sensor 39a is provided in the V area 39 inside the first big prize opening 30, and detects a game ball that has passed through the V area 39. The non-V area sensor 70a is provided in the non-V area 70 inside the first big prize opening 30, and detects a game ball that has passed through the non-V area 70. The normal winning hole sensor 27a is provided inside the normal winning hole 27, and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the normal winning hole 27. The electric chew solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chew 22. The first big prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the first big winning device 31. The second big prize opening solenoid 38 drives the opening/closing member 37 of the second big winning device 36. The V opening/closing member solenoid 73 drives the V opening/closing member 71 of the first big winning device 31.

Display devices 40 are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol pending display 43a, a second special symbol pending display 43b, and a normal symbol pending. Display control for the display 44 is performed.

The external terminal board 70 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 sends information to the external terminal board 70 such as prize ball information, door or frame opening information, the number of changes in the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and inputs to the first starting port 20 and the second starting port 21. It outputs information such as whether the game ball has won a prize or a jackpot, as well as a security signal. In particular, in this embodiment, schedule information regarding setting changes can be output to the external terminal board 70.

A setting change device 71 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The setting change device 71 allows the jackpot probability of the gaming machine to be set in a maximum of six levels. The setting change device 71 will be described later.

A payout control board 110 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for monitoring payout. A prize ball payout device 120, a rental ball payout device 130, and a card unit 135 are connected to the payout control board 110, and a shooting device 112 is connected via a shooting control circuit 111. The prize ball payout device 120 pays out prize balls. The payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 based on a signal from the game control microcomputer 81 to pay out prize balls. The paid out prize balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 122 for counting. The rental ball payout device 130 pays out rental balls. The payout control board 110 drives the ball rental motor 131 of the rental ball payout device 130 based on a signal from the card unit 135 connected to the gaming machine 1 to pay out rental balls. The paid-out rental balls are detected by the rental ball sensor 132 for counting. The card unit 135 is arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 1, and outputs information regarding ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card. The firing device 112 includes a handle 60 (FIG. 1), a firing motor 113, a touch switch 114, and a firing volume 115. When the player operates the handle 60, the firing device 112 detects the contact of the handle 60 with the touch switch 114, and detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60 with the firing volume 115. Then, the firing motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the firing volume 115.

A sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a communication direction regulating means.

The sub-control board 90 includes a production control microcomputer 91 and an input/output circuit 95. The production control microcomputer 91 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the sub-control board 90, and controls the production of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 91 includes a sub-ROM 93 that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a sub-RAM 94 that is used as a work memory, and a sub-ROM that executes the programs stored in the sub-ROM 93. It includes a CPU 92, an RTC 95 that enables time measurement, and a FRAM 96. The RTC 95 and FRAM 96 are backed up by a primary battery or a secondary battery (not shown). Therefore, the RTC 95 continues to measure time even when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off, and the FRAM 96 continues to hold its stored contents. Details of the data stored in the sub-ROM 93 and details of the storage area provided in the sub-RAM 94 will be described later. The sub ROM 93 may be configured as an external ROM. The performance control microcomputer 91 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 95. The input/output circuit 95 may be built in the production control microcomputer 91. An image control board 100 , an audio control board 106 , a lamp control board 107 , and a relay board 108 are connected to the sub-control board 90 via an input/output circuit 95 .

The image control board 100 includes an image control microcomputer 101, an input circuit 105a, and an output circuit 105b. The image control microcomputer 101 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the image control board 100, and controls the display of the image display device 7 according to a program. The image control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. In addition to programs for display control, the ROM 103 stores still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, including characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. image data such as background images, etc.) are stored. RAM 104 is used as a memory for expanding image data. CPU 102 executes a program stored in ROM 103. The production control microcomputer 91 causes the image control microcomputer 101 to control the display of the image display device 7 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM 103 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 91, and performs display control based on the read image data.

A speaker 67 is connected to the audio control board 106, and the performance control microcomputer 91 outputs audio, music, and sound effects from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. etc. is output. Acoustic data such as audio output from the speaker 67 is stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90. Note that the voice control board 106 may include a CPU, and may cause the CPU to execute voice control based on commands. Furthermore, the audio control board 106 may be equipped with a ROM, and may store acoustic data in the ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100 and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may be caused to perform audio control. Furthermore, the acoustic data may be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

A frame lamp 66, a board lamp 5, a first movable accessory 14, and a second movable accessory 15 are connected to the lamp control board 107, and controls these. The production control microcomputer 91 controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on commands received from the main control board 80. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines lighting/extinguishing, light emission color, etc., also referred to as lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, and creates a light emission pattern. Light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5 is controlled according to the data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90 is used to create the light emission pattern data. The production control microcomputer 91 operates the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory 15 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The first movable accessory 14 is a movable so-called gimmick provided below the image display device 7. The second movable accessory 15 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the center decoration body 10. The performance control microcomputer 91 creates motion pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of each of the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory 15, and controls the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory according to the motion pattern data. 2. Controls the operation of the movable accessory 15. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that the lamp control board 107 may include a CPU, and may cause the CPU to control the lighting of the lamp and control the operation of the movable accessories 14 and 15 based on commands. In this case, the lamp control board 107 may be equipped with a ROM, and data regarding the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

A production button 63, a select button 68, and a frame movable body 600 are connected to the relay board 108. When the production button 63 is pressed (pressed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108. Further, the production control microcomputer 91 operates the production button 63 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The production button 63 can not only be operated by pressing, but also changeable between a normal position (buried position) in which the top part of the button body protrudes slightly, and a protruding position in which most of the button body protrudes. It has become. In other words, as one of the effects, the effect button 63 is raised up. The performance control microcomputer 91 creates position change data (drive data) for changing the position of the performance button 63, and controls the operation of the performance button 63 according to the position change data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the position change data. When the select button 68 is pressed (pressed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108.

The performance control microcomputer 91 operates the frame movable body 600 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper part of the front frame 53 (FIG. 1). The performance control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of the frame movable body 600, and controls the operation of the frame movable body 600 according to the operation pattern data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that a touch sensor or the like that is provided on the front frame 53 and outputs a detection signal when a human body comes into contact with it may be connected to the relay board 108.

3. Data Configuration of Gaming Machine The data configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram for explaining a table stored in the main ROM 83. FIG. 5(B) is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the main RAM 84. FIG. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining a table stored in the sub ROM 93. FIG. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the sub-RAM 94.

The main ROM 83 (FIG. 5(A)) includes a jackpot determination table T1, a reach determination table T2, a normal symbol hit determination table T3, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table T4, a jackpot type determination table T5, and a fluctuation pattern. A determination table T6, an electric chew opening pattern determination table T7, a big prize opening pattern determination table T8, and a V opening/closing member opening pattern determination table T9 are stored. These determination tables are referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in main control main processing (described later) that the game control microcomputer 81 executes.

The main RAM 84 (FIG. 5(B)) includes a command set area 84a, a flag set area 84b, a counter set area 84c, a special operation status set area 84d, a special figure reservation storage area 84e, and a general figure reservation memory. An area 84f and a setting information storage area 84g are provided. The command set area 84a is an area (output buffer) where commands output from the main control unit side to the sub control unit side are set in the main control main processing (described later), and includes advance determination commands, pending pitch count commands, A fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a V passing command, a customer waiting command, etc. are set. The flag set area 84b is an area where flags indicating the status of the gaming machine and the gaming status are set in the main control main processing (described later), and include the jackpot flag, jackpot end flag, V flag, probability change flag, time saving flag, etc. Set. The counter set area 84c is an area where counters used in main control main processing (described later) are set, including a random number counter, a round counter, a probability variable counter, a time saving counter, and the like. The special operation status setting area 84d is an area where a status in special operation processing, which will be described later, is set. The special figure reservation storage area 84e includes a first special figure reservation storage area in which the first special figure reservation is stored, and a second special figure reservation storage area in which the second special figure reservation is stored. The first special figure reservation storage area stores random value groups (reservation information) such as random numbers per special symbol corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the first special figure reservation. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for storage. The second special figure reservation storage area includes a first memory for storing random value groups (reservation information) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth pieces of the second special figure reservation. A storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided. The normal symbol reservation storage area 84f stores a group of random numbers (reservation information) such as normal symbol random numbers (hit random numbers) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth symbols of the ordinary symbol reservation. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for.

The setting information storage area 84g is an area for storing setting information of the gaming machine set by the setting change device 71 (FIG. 3). The setting information is numerical information that is set in six stages from setting 1 to setting 6. This setting information storage area 84g is backed up by a backup power source (not shown), and even if the gaming machine 1 is powered off, the contents stored in the setting information storage area 84g are retained.

The sub ROM93 (FIG. 6(A)) includes a look-ahead performance pattern determination table T51, a basic performance pattern determination table T52, a chance-up performance pattern determination table T53, a stop symbol pattern determination table T54, and an acquisition performance setting table T55. and are stored. The acquisition performance setting table T55 includes a distribution determination table (FIG. 21), an operation number determination table (FIG. 22), and a timing determination table (FIG. 23). These tables are referred to by the production control microcomputer 91 in sub-control main processing (described later) that the production control microcomputer 91 executes.

The sub-RAM 94 (FIG. 6(B)) is provided with a command storage area 94a, an effect command set area 94b, a counter set area 94c, and a setting information storage area 94d. The command storage area 94a is an area (input buffer) in which commands input from the main control unit side are stored in sub-control main processing (described later), including advance judgment commands, pending pitch count commands, fluctuation start commands, and fluctuation commands. Stored are a stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a V passing command, a customer waiting command, and the like. The effect command set area 94b is an area where commands output from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108 are set in the sub-control main processing (described later). It is an output buffer) in which a variable performance start command, a fluctuation before end command, a variable performance end command, an opening performance start command, a round performance start command, an ending performance start command, etc. are set. The counter set area 94c is an area where counters used in the sub-control main process (described later) are set, including a random number counter, a first special symbol reservation performance counter, a second special symbol reservation performance counter, and a regular symbol reservation performance counter. , a variable performance counter, a time-saving performance counter, an acquired performance counter, etc. are set. The setting information storage area 94d is an area where setting information output from the main control unit side is stored. The setting information storage area 94d is backed up by a power source (not shown), and its contents are retained even when the gaming machine 1 is powered off.

Here, various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 81 acquires a "jackpot random number," a "jackpot type random number," a "reach random number," a "fluctuation pattern random number," and a "normal symbol random number (hit random number)" at timings described later. It is configured as follows.
The “jackpot random number” is a random number used for lottery to determine whether or not it is a jackpot (jackpot determination), and takes a value in the range of 0 to 65535.
The “jackpot type random number” is a random number used for lottery of the winning jackpot type (jackpot type determination), and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
"Reach Random Number" is a random number used to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the performance symbol variation performance that indicates the result when the jackpot judgment is a loss, and has a value in the range of 0 to 127. Take. Reach is a state in which there is only one fluctuating performance symbol remaining among multiple performance symbols (decorative symbols), and it depends on which symbol the fluctuating performance symbol is stopped and displayed. This is a state in which a combination of performance symbols indicates a jackpot (for example, a state of "7↓7"). Note that the performance symbols that are displayed in a stopped state in the ready-to-win state may be displayed as if they are shaking within the display screen 7a.

The "variation pattern random number" is a random number used to determine a variation pattern including variation time, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
The "normal symbol random number (winning random number)" is used for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) to determine whether or not to play an auxiliary game that opens the electric chew 22. Normal symbol random numbers take values in the range from 0 to 255.
The “jackpot random number,” “jackpot type random number,” “reach random number,” and “variation pattern random number” are acquired based on the ball entering the starting hole (first starting hole 20 or second starting hole 21). The random number group obtained based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area, and the random number group obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port 21 is stored in the first special symbol holding storage area. 2 is stored in the special figure reservation storage area. The “normal symbol random number (winning random number)” is obtained based on passing through the gate 28. The acquired normal symbol random number value is stored in the ordinary symbol retention storage area 84f.

Next, various random numbers acquired by the performance control microcomputer 91 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The performance control microcomputer 91 is configured to obtain a "pre-read performance random number" and a "chance up random number". The "pre-read effect random number" is a random number used to determine the pre-read effect during the variable effect, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "chance up random number" is a random number used to determine the chance up performance during the fluctuating performance, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "pre-read effect random number" is acquired based on the output of a preliminary determination command from the main control section to the sub-control section. The obtained random number group is stored in the sub-RAM 94. The "chance up random number" is acquired based on a fluctuation start command being output from the main control unit to the sub control unit. The obtained random number value is stored in the sub-RAM 94.

4. Description of Various Tables FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot determination table T1.
In the jackpot determination table T1, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the obtained jackpot random number value (any of 0 to 65535) corresponds to a "jackpot" or a "loss" in the main control main processing (described later). This table is referred to for determination. The jackpot determination in the jackpot determination table T1 is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 and the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 84g (FIG. 5). For example, if the setting information is "setting 1" in the "normal probability state" and the jackpot random number is "0 to 409", it will be determined as a "jackpot"; (410-65535)”, it is determined that the result is a “loss”. Note that the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be described later.

The reach determination table T2 indicates whether the reach random value (one of 0 to 127) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) corresponds to "reach exists" or "reach does not exist". This is a table that is referenced to determine whether the The reach determination in the reach determination table T2 is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the reach random value is "0 to 13", it is determined that there is a "reach", and if the reach random value is "a number other than 0 to 13 (14 to 127)" ”, it is determined that there is no reach. In addition, in the "time saving state", if the reach random value is "0 to 5", it is determined that there is a "reach", and if the reach random value is "a number other than 0 to 5 (6 to 127)", it is determined that there is a reach. is determined to be “out of reach”.

The normal symbol winning determination table T3 indicates whether the normal symbol random number value (any of 0 to 255) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) corresponds to a "win" or a "loss". This is a table that is referenced to determine whether the The determination in the normal symbol hit determination table T3 is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 2", it is determined to be a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 2 (3 to 255 )”, it is determined as a “lose”. In addition, in the "time saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 254", it will be determined as a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 254 (255)", it will be determined as a "win". , it is judged as a "lose".

The normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table T4 is used by the game control microcomputer 81 to determine how many seconds the normal symbol fluctuation time is according to the gaming state (non-time saving state or time saving state) in the main control main processing (described later). This is the table that is referenced to do this. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is determined to be "30 seconds", and in the "time saving state", the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is determined to be "1 second".

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot type determination table T5. The jackpot type determination table T5 is used by the gaming control microcomputer 81 to determine the "jackpot type" according to the acquired jackpot type random value (any of 0 to 127) in the main control main processing (described later). This is the table being referenced.

In FIG. 8, when winning in the lottery of the first special symbol (special symbol 1), if the jackpot type random number is "0 to 82", the jackpot type is determined to be "16 RV passing scheduled jackpot", and the jackpot type is When the random number value is "83 to 127", the jackpot type is determined to be "16R (actually 10R) V non-passing planned jackpot". On the other hand, if you win in the lottery of the second special symbol (special symbol 2), if the jackpot type random number is "0 to 127", that is, in all cases, the jackpot type is determined to be "16 RV passing planned jackpot". be done. In addition, in the jackpot type determination table T5, the "opening (OP) command", "round designation command", and "ending (ED) command" of the special game may also be specified.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the fluctuation pattern determination table T6 in the non-time saving state. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern determination table T6 in the time saving state. The fluctuation pattern determination table T6 is a table that is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) to determine the fluctuation pattern according to the acquired fluctuation pattern random value (0 to 127). .

In FIG. 9, for example, a player enters the first starting slot 20 in a non-time saving state, the jackpot determination table T1 determines that he has lost, the reach determination table T2 determines that he has a reach, and the number of pending balls is "1". ~2'', and when the fluctuation pattern random number value is between "0 and 60", it is shown that the fluctuation pattern is determined to be "P7". In FIG. 10, for example, a prize is won in the second starting port 21 in the time saving state, the jackpot determination table T1 determines that it is a "jackpot", the jackpot type determination table T5 determines that it is a "16 RV passing scheduled jackpot", and the fluctuation pattern random number value is "0 to 10", it is shown that the fluctuation pattern is determined to be "P61". As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. In addition, when reaching a reach, it is also determined whether the reach will be a normal reach or a super reach (SP reach). Super reach is a reach effect where the fluctuation time after reach is longer than normal reach. Here, three types of super reach (SP1, SP2, SP3) with different variation times are set. SP1-3 are progressively executed after normal reach. The difference between SP1 to SP3 may be, for example, the presence or absence of pseudo-association.

The electric chew opening pattern determination table T7 is used by the game control microcomputer 81 to determine the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 according to the gaming state (non-time saving state or time saving state) in the main control main processing (described later). This is the table being referenced. In the present embodiment, when the electric chew 22 is in the "non-time saving state", the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 is determined to be the "opening pattern 11", and when it is in the "time saving state", the opening pattern is determined to be the "opening pattern 12". In the opening pattern 11, the electric chew 22 is opened once for an opening time of 0.2 seconds. In the opening pattern 12, the electric chew 22 is opened three times, each opening time is 2.0 seconds, and the interval (opening interval) is 1.0 seconds. However, the opening of this electric chew 22 is closed even if the opening time remains if a predetermined number of game balls are won (regular winning number, maximum 10).

The big winning hole opening pattern determination table T8 is a table that is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in order to determine the opening pattern of the first big winning hole 30 and the second big winning hole 35 in the main control main processing (described later). It is. In this embodiment, in the case of "16 RV passing expected jackpot", it is determined as "opening pattern 21". In "Opening pattern 21", in the 1st to 10th and 12th to 16th R, the second big prize opening 35 is opened once and the opening time is 29.5 seconds (long opening), and in the 11th R, the opening is performed once The first prize opening 30 is opened once (long opening) for an opening time of 29.5 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of "16R (actually 10R) V non-passing planned jackpot", it is determined as "open pattern 22". In "opening pattern 22", the second big prize opening 35 is opened (long opening) for 1 time and 29.5 seconds in the 1st to 10th R, and 1 time in the 11th R for 0 opening time. .Open the first grand prize opening 30 for 1 second (short opening), and open the second grand prize opening 35 once for an opening time of 0.1 seconds (short opening) in the 12th to 16th R. . However, the first grand prize opening 30 and the second grand prize opening 35 will be opened even if the opening time remains if a predetermined number of game balls are won (regular number of prizes, maximum 9). Closed.

The V opening/closing member opening pattern determination table T9 is a table that is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in order to determine the opening pattern of the V opening/closing member 71 in the main control main processing (described later). In this embodiment, in the case of "16 RV passing expected jackpot", it is determined as "opening pattern 31". In the "opening pattern 31", in the 11th R, when the first prize is won in the first big prize opening 30, the V opening/closing member 71 is opened short for an opening time of 0.1 seconds, and the second prize is won. When this happens, the V opening/closing member 71 is opened for a maximum of 31.5 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of "16R (actually 10R) V non-passing planned jackpot", it is determined to be "open pattern 32". In the "opening pattern 32", in the 11th R, when the first prize is won in the first big prize opening 30, the V opening/closing member 71 is opened short for an opening time of 0.1 seconds.

5. Explanation of jackpots, etc. In the gaming machine 1, there are "jackpots" and "losses" as a result of jackpot drawings (special symbol drawings). In the case of a "jackpot", the "jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. At the time of "losing", the "losing symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. When a jackpot is won, a "jackpot game" is executed in which the jackpot (first jackpot 30 and second jackpot 35) is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of jackpot. A jackpot game is an example of a special game. A jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit open games), an opening (OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (ED) after the final round game ends. There is. Each round game starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game. The closing time (interval time) of the big prize opening between round games is included in the open round game before the closing.

There are multiple types of jackpots. There are two types of jackpots: "16RV jackpot expected to pass" and "16R (actually 10R) V non-passage jackpot". "16 RV passing scheduled jackpot" operates the opening/closing member 32, opening/closing member 37, and V opening/closing member 71 in an opening pattern (V passing scheduled opening pattern) that allows the game ball to pass to the V area 39 during the jackpot game. It's a big hit. The combination of the above-mentioned opening patterns allows the game ball to pass through the V area 39 during the jackpot game. In this embodiment, the open pattern 21 and the open pattern 31 are combined. "16R (actually 10R) V non-passing expected jackpot" is an opening pattern (opening pattern not expected to pass V) that makes it impossible for the game ball to pass through the V area 39 during the jackpot game (opening pattern not expected to pass V), opening/closing member 32, opening/closing member 37 And it is a jackpot that activates the V opening/closing member 71. The combination of the above-mentioned release patterns makes it impossible for the game ball to pass through the V area 39 during the jackpot game. In this embodiment, the open pattern 22 and the open pattern 32 are combined. In addition, in the "16R (actually 10R) V non-passing jackpot", the opening time of the first big prize opening 30 of the 11th R and the opening time of the second big prize opening 35 of the 12th to 16th R are 0.1 seconds. The 11th round to the 16th round is a round where you cannot expect to win a prize ball.

In this way, in the "16 RV expected jackpot", the game ball passes easily to the V area 39 in the first big prize opening 30, and the gaming state after the jackpot is a high-accuracy time-saving state (high-accuracy high base state). On the other hand, in the "16R (actually 10R) jackpot not expected to pass through V", it is almost impossible for the game ball to pass through the V area 39 in the first big prize opening 30, and the gaming state after the jackpot is It becomes a low accuracy time saving state (low accuracy high base state).

In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the distribution ratio of jackpots in the lottery for the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is 83/128 (approximately 64.8%) for jackpots scheduled to pass through V, and 83/128 (about 64.8%) for jackpots scheduled to pass through V. 45/128 (approximately 35.2%). On the other hand, the distribution ratio of jackpots in the second special symbol (special symbol 2) lottery is 128/128 (100%) of jackpots expected to pass through V. In this way, in the gaming machine 1, the jackpot lottery that is performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 is more popular than the jackpot lottery that is performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 (first special symbol lottery). The lottery (the lottery of the second special symbol) is set to be more advantageous for the player.

6. Description of gaming state The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be explained. The game control microcomputer 81 can perform "probability variation control" and "variation time shortening control" on the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display 41 and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display 42, respectively. It is. Here, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 performs probability variation control on the special symbols on the special symbol display 41 is referred to as a "high probability state," and the state in which probability variation control is not performed is simply referred to as a "normal probability state." (non-high probability state, low probability state). The game control microcomputer 81 performs jackpot judgment using a jackpot judgment table (FIG. 7) in which the number of jackpot random numbers determined as jackpots is higher in a high probability state than in a normal probability state, as probability fluctuation control for special symbols. By doing this, a high probability state is achieved. Therefore, the high probability state has a higher probability of hitting the jackpot than the normal probability state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control on the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, compared to the case where the probability variation control is not executed, The probability that the display result (stopping symbol) of the variable display of the special symbol will be a jackpot symbol is increased.

In addition, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 controls the special symbols on the special symbol display 41 to shorten the fluctuation time is referred to as a "time-saving state", and the state in which the fluctuation time is not controlled to shorten is simply referred to as a "non-time-saving state". That's what it means. In the time saving state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of variable display to the time of deriving and displaying the display result) is shorter than in the non-time saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern determination table T6 (FIGS. 9 and 10) that is determined so that a variation pattern with a short variation time is selected more often in a time-saving state than in a non-time-saving state. Determine the variation pattern used. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes the variable time reduction control for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, the variation of the special symbol is greater than when the variable time reduction control is not executed. A short variation time is more likely to be selected as the display variation time. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the reserved special drawings are consumed becomes faster, and effective winnings in the starting opening (winnings that can be stored as reserved special drawings) are more likely to occur. This allows players to aim for a jackpot while the game progresses smoothly. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 may execute the probability fluctuation control and the fluctuation time shortening control simultaneously with respect to the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, or may execute only one of them.

The game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control and variation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42 in parallel with variation time shortening control for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability fluctuation control and the fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbols in the time-saving state, but does not perform them in the non-time-saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses a normal symbol hit determination table T3 in which the number of normal symbol random numbers (winning random numbers) that are determined to be hits is greater in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state, as normal symbol probability fluctuation control. Use this to make a hit judgment (normal pattern judgment). Therefore, in the time saving state, the winning probability is higher than in the normal symbol normal probability state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control on the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, compared to the case where the probability variation control is not executed, the normal symbol display 42 The probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal symbol (stopped symbol) becomes a winning symbol is increased. In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. Here, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, but it is 1 second in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 22 in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes open time extension control on the electric chew 22. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes control to increase the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened. Under the situation where the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, and control for extending the opening time and increasing number of openings for the electric chew 22, Compared to the case where these controls are not executed, the electric chew 22 is opened more frequently, and the game ball enters the second starting port 21 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls, increases. Therefore, a state where these controls are being executed is called a "high base state", and a state where these controls are not being executed is called a "low base state". In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports winning to the second starting port 21 by the electric chew 22) is being executed. The high base state (electric support control state) does not need to execute all of the above controls. That is, among the probability fluctuation control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, the variation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, the opening time extension control for the electric chew 22, and the control for increasing the number of openings for the electric chew 22. It is only necessary that by executing one or more controls, the electric chew 22 can be opened more easily than when the controls are not executed. Further, the high base state (electric support control state) may be controlled independently without being associated with the time saving state.

In the gaming machine 1, the gaming state after a jackpot game due to winning the V passing planned jackpot is a high probability state, a time saving state, and a high base state if the player passes to the V area 39 during the jackpot game. . This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "high-accuracy, high-base state" or a "high-accuracy, time-saving state." The high probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (in this case, 120 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In addition, the gaming state after a jackpot game due to winning a jackpot scheduled to not pass V will be a normal probability state (non-high probability (that is, a state of low probability), a short-time state, and a high-base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability high base state" and "low probability time saving state." The low probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this case) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. When playing the gaming machine 1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is a normal probability state, a non-time-saving state, and a low base state (non-electronic support control state). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability low base state." The low probability low base state may also be referred to as the "normal gaming state" or the "low probability non-time saving state (also simply referred to as the non-time saving state)". Further, the state in which a special game (big hit game) is being executed will be referred to as a "special game state (big hit game state)". Furthermore, a state controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the high base state is referred to as a "specific gaming state."

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right game area 3B (FIG. 1) by hitting right. Due to the electric support control, the electric chew 22 is opened more easily than in the low base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the second starting port 21 than to win a prize in the first starting port 20. be. Therefore, in the high base state, the game ball is hit to the right in order to enter the second starting port 21 while passing the game ball to the gate 28 which is the trigger for the normal symbol lottery. This allows you to get more starting prizes (winning into the starting hole) than if you hit left-handed. In addition, in the gaming machine 1, even during the jackpot game, the game is played with the right hand. On the other hand, in the low base state, the game can be progressed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left game area 3A (FIG. 1) by hitting the ball to the left. Since the electric support control is not executed, the electric chew 22 is more difficult to open than in the high base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the first starting port 20 than to win a prize in the second starting port 21. This is because For this reason, in the low base state, the game ball is hit to the left in order to cause the game ball to enter the first starting port 20. This allows you to win more starting prizes than if you hit right-handed.

7. Operation of the game control microcomputer 81 The operation of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 (FIG. 3) will be explained based on FIGS. 11 to 15. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the main RAM 84.

[Main control main processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of main control main processing. When the game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 81 reads a program for executing main control main processing from the main ROM 83. In the main control main processing, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs initialization processing (step S001). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the main CPU 82 and reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 81 prohibits the interruption of the interrupt process (step S002), and performs the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (step S003). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values (jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, variable pattern random number, normal symbol random number) to 1. Add and update. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. Further, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit including a counter IC or the like.

After the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 allows an interrupt of the interrupt process (step S004). While interrupts are enabled, main side timer interrupt processing (step S005) can be executed. The main side timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the main CPU 82 at a predetermined period (for example, a 4 msec period). That is, the main side timer interrupt process is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 msec). Then, after the main side timer interrupt processing ends and until the next main side timer interrupt processing starts, the updating processing of various counter values by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number updating processing is repeatedly executed. . Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the main CPU 82 in the interrupt disabled state, the main side timer interrupt processing is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is enabled.

[Main side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 11: step S005). In the main side timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values. This random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process performed in the main control main process (FIG. 11) described above. In other words, the update processing of various random number counter values is performed during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt processing and other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt processing until the start of the next main side timer interrupt processing). It is carried out both.

After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an input process (step S102). In input processing, the game control microcomputer 81 reads detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the gaming machine 1, and outputs payout data to the main RAM 84 for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning opening. Set in buffer. The various sensors are, for example, the first starting hole sensor 20a, the second starting hole sensor 21a, the first big winning hole sensor 30a, the second big winning hole sensor 35a, and the normal winning hole sensor 27a (FIG. 3).

After the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a starting port sensor detection process (step S103). In the starting port sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball passes through the gate 28, acquires the value of the normal symbol random number counter, and stores the acquired random value in the regular symbol retention storage area 84f of the main RAM 84. Among the first to fourth storage areas, the normal symbol is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of reserved balls. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball enters the first starting port 20 and determines the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. get. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the acquired random number group in the storage area corresponding to the current number of special figure 1 reserved balls among the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reserved storage area. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball enters the second starting port 21, and determines the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. get. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random number group in the storage area corresponding to the current number of special figure 2 reserved balls among the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reserved storage area.

The game control microcomputer 81 performs a preliminary judgment of a jackpot in the starting port sensor detection process. Based on the random number group described above, it is determined in advance whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot and the fluctuation pattern. Then, a preliminary determination command is created from the preliminary determination result and set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs normal operation processing (step S104). In the normal operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the operation of the electric chew 22. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" or not, and if the number of reserved balls is 1 or more, it refers to the normal symbol hit determination table T3. Make a hit judgment. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern with reference to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table T4. The game control microcomputer 81 starts variable display of normal symbols by setting the selected normal symbol variation pattern. Thereafter, the variable display is stopped, and in the case of a "win", an electric chew opening pattern is set with reference to the electric chew opening pattern determination table T7, and the electric chew 22 is activated.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special operation processing (step S105). This special operation process will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a V area sensor detection process (step S106). In the V area sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not a game ball is detected by the V area sensor 39a, and if detected, determines whether or not the V valid period is in effect. If it is within the V validity period, the V flag is turned on and a V passing command is set.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a pending ball number process (step S107). The game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the number of special symbol 1 reserved balls, the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls, and the number of normal symbol reserved balls stored in the main RAM 84. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the number of reserved balls command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84. The number of reserved balls command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of the number of reserved balls, and includes information regarding the number of reserved balls for special pattern 1, the number of reserved balls for special pattern 2, and the number of reserved balls for normal symbols. .

After processing the number of reserved balls, the game control microcomputer 81 performs output processing (step S108). In the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs the commands and the like set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 in each of the above processes to the sub control board 90. After the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs other processes (step S109). In other processes, for example, the second special figure holding display 43b is controlled to display the number based on the number of reserved balls for special figure 2, which will be described later, and the first special figure is displayed based on the number of reserved balls for special figure 1. The hold display 43a is controlled to display the number.

[Special operation processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the special operation process (FIG. 12: step S105). Here, the processing related to the special symbol display 41 and the grand prize device (first grand prize device 31 and second grand prize device 36) is divided into four stages, and each stage is divided into "1" of "special operation status", They are called "2", "3", and "4". When the "special operation status" is "1" (step S1301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol standby processing (step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, jackpot determination, variation pattern selection, etc. are executed. When the "special operation status" is "2" (step S1301: NO, step S1303: YES), special symbol fluctuation processing is performed (step S1304). In the special symbol fluctuation processing, output of a fluctuation stop command etc. is executed after the fluctuation time has elapsed. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the special symbol fluctuation time has elapsed and ended, and if the fluctuation time has elapsed, sets a fluctuation stop command and performs the special operation. Set the status to "3". When the "special operation status" is "3" (steps S1301, S1303: NO, step S1305: YES), special symbol confirmation processing is performed (step S1306). In the special symbol confirmation process, the output of an opening command, etc. is executed at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first executes a game state management process. The game state management process is a process for managing the number of STs and the number of time saving times. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "1" when the jackpot flag is OFF. On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is ON, an opening pattern of the jackpot and the V opening/closing member is set in accordance with the type of jackpot won. After setting the opening pattern, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a game state reset process. The game state reset process is a process for resetting the probability change flag and the time saving flag. After the game state reset process, a jackpot opening command is set in order to start the jackpot game. After that, set the special operation status to "4". When the "special operation status" is "4" (steps S1301, S1303, S1305: NO), special electric accessory processing is performed (step S1308). In the special electric accessory processing, a jackpot game is executed. Specifically, the opening of the first big winning hole 30 and the second big winning hole 35 is controlled according to an opening pattern based on a round counter, and a round designation command and an ending command are set. In addition, the V opening/closing member 39 is controlled in parallel with the opening of the first big prize opening 30. Furthermore, at the end of the jackpot, a time saving counter and a probability change counter are set.

[Special symbol standby processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the special symbol standby process (FIG. 13: Step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401). If the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to winning in the second starting opening 21 is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area. If there is no such file, the process moves to step S1407. When the special figure 2 reserved ball number is "1" or more (step S1401: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes the jackpot determination process (step S1402). Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1403). In the fluctuation pattern selection process, the fluctuation pattern determination table T6 (FIGS. 9 and 10) is referred to, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the determination result of the jackpot determination process (step S1402), and the pending Select a variation pattern based on pitch count. After the fluctuation pattern selection process, the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is decremented (step S1404). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 changes the storage location of the reservation information (various random numbers) stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reservation storage area from the current position to the side from which it is read out. At the same time, the reservation information stored in the farthest location from the read side in the second special figure reservation storage area is cleared (step S1405). For example, if pending information is stored in the first to third storage areas, the pending information stored in the third storage area is cleared and the pending information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas. If so, the pending information stored in the fourth storage area is cleared. Through the above steps, the second special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9B (the leftmost reserved image 9B among the four reserved images 9B) corresponding to the first storage area of the second special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It is shifted to the digested image display area side and displayed as the held digested image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9B (the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reserved images 9B from the left among the 4 reserved images 9B) corresponding to the 2nd to 4th storage areas of the 2nd special figure reserved storage area are 1 on the left side, respectively. (Figure 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one second special figure reservation has been used up. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 2 fluctuation start processing (step S1406). In the special figure 2 variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, a variation display of the second special symbol is started, and a variation time timer is set. A variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is set in the variation time timer. Further, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2". In addition, the variation start command (special figure 2 variation start command) set in the special figure 2 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the jackpot determination process (step S1402) and the variation pattern selection process ( Information regarding the fluctuation pattern set in step S1403) (including information regarding fluctuation time) is included.

In step S1401, if the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is "0" (step S1401: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is "0" ( Step S1407). If the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "0" (step S1407: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to winning in the first starting opening 20 is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area. If there is no such file, the process moves to step S1413. When the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "1" or more (step S1407: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes the jackpot determination process (step S1408). Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1409). In the fluctuation pattern selection process, the fluctuation pattern determination table T6 (FIGS. 9 and 10) is referred to, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the determination result of the jackpot determination process (step S1408), and the pending Select a variation pattern based on pitch count. After the fluctuation pattern selection process, the number of reserved balls for special figure 1 is decremented (step S1410). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage locations of the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reservation storage area by one position from the current position to the side where they are read out. , clears the pending information stored in the first special figure pending storage area at the farthest location from the side to be read (step S1411). Through the above steps, the first special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9A (the rightmost reserved image 9A among the four reserved images 9A) corresponding to the first storage area of the first special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It is shifted to the digested image display area side and displayed as the held digested image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9A (the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reserved images 9A from the right among the 4 reserved images 9A) corresponding to the 2nd to 4th storage areas of the 1st special figure reserved storage area are 1 on the right side, respectively. (Figure 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one first special symbol reservation has been used up. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 1 fluctuation start processing (step S1412). In the special figure 1 variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 to start the variation display of the first special symbol, and a variation time timer is set. A variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is set in the variation time timer. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2" (step S1412). In addition, the variation start command (special figure 1 variation start command) set in the special figure 1 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the jackpot determination process (step S1408) and the variation pattern selection process ( Information regarding the fluctuation pattern set in step S1409) (including information regarding fluctuation time) is included.

In step S1407, if the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is "0" (step S1407: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is a standby screen (step S1413). The standby screen is a demo screen for waiting for customers. The game control microcomputer 81 may determine, for example, by turning on/off a demonstration screen display flag for waiting for customers. If it is a standby screen (step S1413: YES), this process ends. If it is not the standby screen (step S1413: NO), the gaming control microcomputer 81 sets a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. (Step S1414), this process ends. As described above, according to the special symbol standby process of this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is executed only when the second special symbol reservation is "0". That is, the extinguishment of the second special figure reservation is executed in priority to the extinguishment of the first special figure reservation. Further, according to the jackpot type determination table T5 (FIG. 8) of the present embodiment, the lottery based on the second special symbol reservation is more profitable for the player than the lottery based on the first special symbol reservation (V You will be able to win the jackpot (scheduled to pass).

[Jackpot determination process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 14: steps S1402 and S1408). The jackpot determination process (step S1402) of the special figure 2 and the jackpot determination process (step S1408) of the special figure 1 have the same processing flow, so they will be explained together. In the jackpot determination process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the probability change flag is ON (step S1501). If the probability change flag is ON (step S1501: YES), the high probability state table of the jackpot judgment table T1 (FIG. 7) is referred to, and the jackpot judgment is made based on the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 84g. (Step S1502). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out a jackpot random number value as a determination value. For example, in the jackpot determination process for the special figure 2, the jackpot random number value stored in the first storage area of the second special figure reservation storage area (corresponding to the first piece of the second special figure reservation) is read out. In the jackpot determination process for the special figure 1, the jackpot random number value stored in the first storage area of the first special figure reservation storage area (corresponding to the first piece of the first special figure reservation) is read out. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 uses the reference jackpot determination table T1 and the jackpot random number value to determine whether or not it is a jackpot. Here, since it is a high probability state (the probability change flag is ON), the table for the high probability state of the jackpot determination table T1 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot based on the setting information (settings 1 to 6). do. For example, when the setting information is "Setting 1", it is determined that the jackpot random number value is between "0" and "936" as a jackpot, and when it is any other value, it is determined as a loss.

In step S1501, if the probability change flag is OFF (step S1501: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 performs a jackpot determination by referring to the table for the normal probability state of the jackpot determination table T1 (FIG. 7). Step S1504). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the jackpot random number value using the same method as in step S1502. Next, since the normal probability state is here (the probability variable flag is OFF), the table for the normal probability state is referred to in the jackpot determination table T1, and whether or not it is a jackpot based on the setting information (settings 1 to 6). Determine whether For example, when the setting information is "setting 1", it is determined that the jackpot random number value is between "0" and "409" as a jackpot, and when it is any other value, it is determined as a loss.

If the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot" (steps S1503, S1505: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the jackpot flag (step S1506) and determines the type of jackpot (step S1507). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out a jackpot type random number value as a determination value. For example, in the jackpot determination process for special figure 2, the jackpot type random number value stored in the first storage area of the second special figure reservation storage area is read out. In the jackpot determination process of special figure 1, the jackpot type random value stored in the first storage area of the first special figure reservation storage area is read out. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the jackpot type based on the read jackpot type random number value and the jackpot type determination table T5 (FIG. 8). After determining the jackpot type, information corresponding to the specified special symbol stop symbol data is set in the jackpot type buffer provided in the main RAM 84, and this process is ended. On the other hand, in step S1503 or step S1505, if the result of the jackpot determination is "loss", information corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol data corresponding to the loss is set in the jackpot type buffer provided in the main RAM 84, and this process is executed. finish.

8. Operation of the production control microcomputer 91 The operation of the production control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) will be described based on FIGS. 16 to 19. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the production control microcomputer 91 are provided in the sub-RAM 94.

[Sub control main processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the sub-control main processing. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the performance control microcomputer 91 reads a program for executing the sub-control main process from the sub-ROM 93. In the sub-control main processing, the production control microcomputer 91 first performs initialization processing (step S4000). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the sub CPU 92, reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the production control microcomputer 91 prohibits the interruption of the interrupt process (step S4001), and performs the random number update process (step S4002). In this random number update process, the performance control microcomputer 91 updates the random number counter value shown in FIG. 6(B) by adding one. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. Furthermore, instead of adding up the random numbers one by one, two or more may be added. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number.

After the random number update process, the production control microcomputer 91 allows the interruption of the interrupt process (step S4003). While interrupts are enabled, sub-side timer interrupt processing (step S4004) can be executed. The sub-side timer interrupt process is executed based on interrupt pulses that are repeatedly input to the sub CPU 92 at predetermined intervals. That is, the sub-side timer interrupt process is executed at predetermined intervals. Then, the random number update process is repeatedly executed between the end of the sub-side timer interrupt process and the start of the next sub-side timer interrupt process.

[Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the sub-side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 16: step S4004). The production control microcomputer 91 first performs received command analysis processing (step S4100). Details of the received command analysis process will be described later. After the received command analysis process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a variable performance process (step S4110). The process during variable performance is a process for setting a pre-variation end command at a specific timing during a variable performance to cause the display screen 7a to execute a specific display performance. After the process during the variable performance, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a switch process (step S4120). In the switch processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs settings of the display contents of the display screen 7a based on the switch data (edge data and level data) output from the effect button 63. After the switch process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a command transmission process (step S4130). In the command transmission process, the production control microcomputer 91 sends various commands set in the production command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 by the received command analysis process to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. , is transmitted to the relay board 108. The image control board 100 that has received various commands uses the image display device 7 to execute display effects according to the received commands. Furthermore, the audio control board 106 that has received various commands executes audio production to output audio from the speaker 67 in accordance with the received commands. The lamp control board 107 that has received the various commands executes a lamp effect that controls the light emission of the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 in accordance with the received commands. After the command transmission process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs other processes (step S4140), and ends this process. Other processes include random number update processing and the like.

[Received command analysis processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the received command analysis process (FIG. 17: step S4100). The performance control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not a preliminary determination command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4180). If it has been received (step S4180: YES), prefetch effect determination processing is performed (step S4190). The "pre-reading effect determination process" is a process of determining whether or not to perform the pre-reading effect and the pre-reading effect pattern in the case of executing the pre-reading effect. Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 91 acquires the value of the counter of the prefetch performance random number, and performs the prefetch performance by referring to the acquired random number value and the prefetch performance pattern determination table T51 stored in the sub ROM 93. Whether or not this is the case, and the prefetch effect pattern in the case of performing the prefetch effect are determined. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4180: NO), the above-mentioned prefetch effect determination process is skipped. The look-ahead performance is a performance that suggests that there is a high possibility that the reservation information newly stored in the special figure reservation storage area 85 includes a jackpot, and is executed during the variable performance.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a command for the number of reserved balls has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4200). If it has been received (step S4200: YES), a hold display process is performed (step S4210). In the hold display process, information is set in the counter set area 94c of the sub-RAM 94 based on information regarding the number of special figure 1 held balls, the number of special figure 2 held balls, and the number of normal pattern held balls included in the number of held balls command. The values of the first special symbol reservation performance counter, the second special symbol reservation performance counter, and the regular symbol reservation performance counter are updated. Thereby, information on each number of reserved balls can be held not only on the main control board 80 side but also on the sub control board 90 side. Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 91 controls the pending image 9A displayed on the display screen 7a, Update 9B. On the other hand, if the hold pitch count command has not been received (step S4100: NO), the above-described hold display process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a variation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4230). If it has been received (step S4230: YES), a variable effect start process is performed (step S4240). "Variation performance start processing" is a process of selecting a fluctuation performance pattern (content) to be executed during special symbol fluctuation. Details of the variable performance start process will be described later. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4230: NO), the above-described variable effect start process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4250). If it has been received (step S4250: YES), a variable effect end process is performed (step S4260). "Fluctuation performance end processing" is a process for stopping the fluctuation performance executed during special symbol fluctuation. In the fluctuating performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 91 sets a counter etc. based on the analysis result of the fluctuation stop command, and also sets a fluctuating performance end command for ending the fluctuating performance. As a result, the decorative pattern corresponding to the special figure 1 or 2 which is changing is stopped and displayed. Note that if the fluctuation stop command has not been received (step S4250: NO), the above-mentioned fluctuation effect end process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether an opening command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4270). If it has been received (step S4270: YES), opening performance pattern determination processing is performed (step S4280). The "opening performance pattern determination process" is a process for selecting an opening performance pattern (content) to be executed at the start of a special game (jackpot game). In the opening performance pattern determination process, the performance control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the opening command, and sets in the sub-RAM 94 information regarding the special symbol stop pattern data that is included in the opening command and is set at the time of jackpot winning determination. Then, the opening performance start command for starting the selected opening performance is selected in the performance command set area of the sub-RAM 94 by selecting the performance pattern of the opening performance that has been set in advance in accordance with the winning type indicated by the special figure stop symbol data. Set to 94b. When the opening effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (FIG. 17: step S4130), the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 stores the predetermined opening effect image in the ROM 103. The image data is read from the image display device 7 and displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In addition, in step S4270, if the opening command is not received (step S4270: NO), the above-mentioned opening effect pattern determination process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a round designation command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4290). If it has been received (step S4290: YES), round effect pattern determination processing is performed (step S4300). The "round performance pattern determination process" is a process for selecting an opening game performance pattern (content) to be executed during opening of the big prize opening or during an interval between openings in a special game (jackpot game). In the round performance pattern determination process, the performance control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the round designation command, and sets information regarding the special figure stop symbol data and information regarding the number of rounds included in the round designation command in the sub-RAM 94. do. Then, select the production pattern of the round production that is preset according to the special stop symbol and the number of rounds, and input the round production start command to start the selected round production to the production command set area 94b of the sub-RAM 94. set. When the round performance start command set in the performance command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100, the CPU 102 reads a predetermined round performance image from the ROM 103 and displays it on the display screen 7a. In addition, in step S4290, if the round designation command is not received (step S4290: NO), the above-described round effect pattern determination process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4310). If it has been received (step S4310: YES), ending effect pattern determination processing is performed (step S4320). The "ending performance pattern determination process" is a process for selecting an ending performance pattern (content) to be executed during the ending of a special game (big win game or small win game). In the ending performance pattern determination process, the performance control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the ending command and sets information regarding the special figure stop symbol data included in the ending command in the sub-RAM 94. Then, an ending performance pattern corresponding to the special figure stop pattern data is selected, and an ending performance start command for starting the selected ending performance is set in the output buffer of the sub-RAM 94. When the ending effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100, the CPU 102 reads a predetermined ending effect image from the ROM 103 and displays it on the display screen 7a. Note that if the ending command has not been received (step S4310: NO), the above-described ending effect pattern determination process is skipped.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a customer waiting standby command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4330). If it has been received (step S4330: YES), a customer waiting performance pattern determination process is performed (step S4340). The "customer waiting performance pattern determination process" is a process for selecting a performance pattern (content) for a standby screen to be displayed when a predetermined standby time has elapsed after the gaming machine 1 ceases to be in operation. In the customer waiting performance pattern determination process, the performance control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the customer waiting command and sets the information included in the customer waiting command in the sub-RAM 94. Then, a performance pattern on the standby screen is selected, and a customer waiting standby command for starting the selected performance is set in the output buffer of the sub-RAM 94. When the customer waiting standby command set in the performance command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100, the CPU 102 reads a predetermined performance image from the ROM 103 and displays it on the display screen 7a. Note that if the customer waiting standby command has not been received (step S4330: NO), the above-described customer waiting performance pattern determination process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 performs other processing (step S4350). In other processes, for example, when the production control microcomputer 91 receives the gaming state designation command, the performance control microcomputer 91 receives information regarding the gaming state included in the gaming state designation command (whether or not it is a high probability state, whether it is a time saving state, counter, time saving counter value, etc.) are held in the sub-RAM 94. Moreover, the production control microcomputer 91 causes the sub-RAM 94 to hold information about passing the V when receiving the V passing command. Further, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs processing based on commands other than the above (customer waiting standby command, RAM clear notification command, etc.) and ends this processing.

[Variable effect start processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the variable performance start process (FIG. 18: Step S4240). The production control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the variation start command (step S4400). Here, the performance control microcomputer 91 sets information regarding the special figure stop symbol data included in the fluctuation start command and information regarding the fluctuation pattern in the sub-RAM 94. The set information includes game status information indicating the current gaming status, symbol information indicating the symbol as a determination result of the winning determination process of special symbol 1 or special symbol 2, and the like. The gaming state information and symbol information acquired here can be appropriately referred to by the performance control microcomputer 91.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs basic performance pattern determination processing (step S4410). The basic performance pattern determination process includes the basic configuration of the variable performance (for example, the display and switching of background images on the image display device 7, the display of predetermined characters and their movements, the output of melodies and sound effects using the speaker 67) , lighting control of lamps, etc.). The variable performance is completed by superimposing additional performances such as a chance-up performance on this basic performance. The performance control microcomputer 91 determines the basic performance pattern by referring to the basic performance pattern determination table T52 stored in the sub-ROM 93. The basic performance pattern determination table T52 includes multiple types of basic performance patterns for normal reach performance, multiple types of basic performance patterns for SP1 performance, multiple types of basic performance patterns for SP2 performance, and multiple types of basic performance patterns for SP3 performance. A basic performance pattern and multiple types of basic performance patterns that perform no-reach performance are set. The type of basic performance pattern can be set arbitrarily.

After determining the basic performance pattern, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a chance-up performance pattern determination process (step S4420). The chance-up effect pattern determination process is a process for determining an additional effect to be superimposed on the variable effect. The production control microcomputer 91 obtains the value of the chance-up random number counter, and determines the chance-up production pattern by referring to the obtained random number and the chance-up production pattern determination table T53 stored in the sub-ROM 93. . After determining the chance-up performance pattern, the performance control microcomputer 91 further refers to the random number value and the stop symbol pattern determination table T54 to determine the combination of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R to be stopped and displayed. good.

After determining the chance-up performance pattern, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs the acquisition performance setting process (step S4430). The acquisition performance setting process is a process for making settings for executing the acquisition performance. The performance control microcomputer 91 acquires the value of the acquired performance counter, and performs settings by referring to the acquired random value and the acquired performance setting table T55 stored in the sub-ROM 93.

The performance control microcomputer 91 sets a variable performance start command in the performance command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 so that a variable performance based on the variable performance pattern determined in steps S4400 to S4430 is realized ( Step S4440). When the variable effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b of the sub-RAM 94 is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (FIG. 17: step S4130), the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 starts the variable effect image. The data is read from the ROM 103 and displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 sets a variable production timer (step S4450), and ends this process. A variation time corresponding to the variation pattern included in the variation start command is set in the variation production timer.

[Setting process for acquisition performance]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the acquisition effect setting process (FIG. 19: step S4430).
First, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not to perform an acquisition performance (step S4501). Since the basic performance pattern is determined as described above (FIG. 19: Step S4410), it is determined whether the basic performance pattern includes an acquired performance. If it is determined that the acquisition performance is to be performed here (step S4501: YES), the process moves to step S4502. On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquisition effect is not to be performed (step S4501: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the acquisition effect setting process is ended.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 acquires the number of acquisitions (step S4501). For example, in the case of a performance in which items are acquired, the number of acquired items is the number of items that are scheduled to be acquired.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 executes a distribution determination process. The distribution determination process is a process of distributing the number of acquisitions into the number acquired by pressing the performance button 63 and the number acquired by the passage of time. In the distribution determination process, a random number is acquired as the value of the acquisition performance counter in the counter set area of the sub-RAM 94. This random number is one of "0 to 127". Then, the allocation is determined by referring to the allocation determination table shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a distribution determination table included in the acquisition performance setting table T55. For example, if the number of acquisitions is ``4'' and the random number is ``0 to 31'', the number of acquisitions with the effect button 63 is divided into ``4'' and the number of acquisitions over time is divided into ``0''. Similarly, if the number of acquisitions is "4" and the random value is "32 to 63", the number of acquisitions with the production button 63 is divided into "3", the number of acquisitions over time is divided as "1", and In the case of the number "4", if the random number is "64 to 95", the number obtained with the production button 63 is divided as "2", the number obtained over time is divided as "2", and the number obtained is "4". In this case, if the random number is "96 to 127", the number obtained with the performance button 63 is divided into "1" and the number obtained with the passage of time is "3". The same applies when the total number of acquisitions is "3", "2", and "1".

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 20, when the distribution of the number of acquisitions is determined by the distribution determination process (step S4503), the production control microcomputer 91 executes the operation count determination process (step S4504). The operation count determination process is a process for determining how many times the performance button 63 is pressed to execute the acquisition performance. In the operation count determination process, a random number is acquired as the value of the acquisition effect counter in the counter set area of the sub-RAM 94. This random number is one of "0 to 127". Then, the number of operations is determined with reference to the operation number determination table shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation count determination table included in the acquisition effect setting table T55. For example, if the number of acquisitions by the button is "4" and the random value is "0 to 31", when the performance button 63 is pressed 5 times, the first acquisition performance will be executed, and then the next 3 times. When pressed (8 times in total), the second acquisition effect is executed, then when it is pressed 4 times (12 times in total), the third acquisition effect is executed, and then 5 times (total). 17 times) When the button is pressed, the fourth acquisition performance is executed. Similarly, if the number of acquisitions by the button is "4" and the random value is "32 to 63", the first acquisition performance will be executed when the performance button 63 is pressed three times, and then the number of acquisitions will be 4. If it is pressed twice (total of 7 times), the second acquisition effect will be executed, then if it is pressed five times (total of 12 times), the third acquisition effect will be executed, and then the next five times ( If the button is pressed (17 times in total), the fourth acquisition effect is executed. If the number of acquisitions by the button is "4" and the random value is "64-95", when the performance button 63 is pressed twice, the first acquisition performance will be executed, and then twice (total number of acquisitions). If the button is pressed 4 times), the second acquisition effect is executed, then if the button is pressed twice (6 times in total), the third acquisition effect is executed, and then 6 times (12 times in total). ) When pressed, executes the fourth acquisition effect. If the number of acquisitions by the button is "4" and the random value is "96 to 127", the first acquisition performance will be executed when the performance button 63 is pressed twice, and then 5 times (total). If the button is pressed twice (9 times in total), the third acquisition effect is executed, and then 6 times (15 times in total). ) When pressed, executes the fourth acquisition effect. The same applies when the number of acquisitions is "3", "2", and "1".

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 20, when the number of operations determination process (step S4504) determines how many times the performance button 63 should be pressed to execute the acquired performance, the performance control microcomputer 91 executes the timing determination process. do. In the timing determination process, a random number is acquired as the value of the acquisition effect counter in the counter set area of the sub-RAM 94. This random number is one of "0 to 127". Then, the execution timing is determined with reference to the timing determination table shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a timing determination table included in the acquisition performance setting table T55. The execution timing is determined by how many seconds after the start of the effective period of the effect button 63. It is assumed that the effective period of the effect button 63 is 5 seconds. For example, if the number of acquisitions over time is "3" and the random value is "0 to 43", the first acquisition performance will be executed 2 seconds after the start of the effective period of the performance button 63, and the first acquisition performance will be executed when the performance button 63 is activated. A second acquisition performance is executed 4 seconds after the start of the validity period of the performance button 63, and a third acquisition performance is executed 5.1 seconds after the start of the validity period of the performance button 63. 5.1 seconds after the start of the effective period of the effect button 63 corresponds to immediately after the end of the effective period of the effect button 63. Similarly, if the number of acquisitions over time is "3" and the random value is "44 to 87", the first acquisition performance will be executed 3 seconds after the start of the effective period of the performance button 63, and the performance will be A second acquisition performance is executed 4 seconds after the start of the validity period of the button 63, and a third acquisition performance is executed 5.1 seconds after the start of the validity period of the performance button 63. If the number of acquisitions over time is "3" and the random value is "88 to 127", the first acquisition performance will be executed 1 second after the start of the effective period of the performance button 63, and the first acquisition performance will be executed when the performance button 63 is activated. A second acquisition performance is executed 3 seconds after the start of the valid period, and a third acquisition performance is executed 4 seconds after the start of the valid period of the performance button 63. The same applies when the number of acquisitions over time is "2" or "1".

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 20, when the timing determination process (step S4505) determines how many seconds after the effect button 63 is activated to execute the acquisition effect, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs step S4504 and step The number of operations and execution timing determined in S4505 are stored in the sub RAM 94 (Step S4506). Thereby, when the basic performance pattern includes an acquisition performance, the acquisition performance is executed both by the number of presses of the performance button 63 and the execution timing by referring to the sub-RAM 94.

9. Example of Performance of this Embodiment Below, an example of performance of this embodiment will be described. As mentioned above, the performance to be described from now on is based on various information (jackpot determination information, jackpot type information, fluctuation pattern information, etc.) transmitted from the game control microcomputer 81, and is executed by the performance control microcomputer 91 (image control microcomputer). 101). Note that the following display effect example is executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Furthermore, although the hold display (hold icon) may be omitted in the display performance examples, it is actually displayed unless otherwise specified.

The acquisition performances A to E will be explained below using FIGS. 24 to 28.
This acquisition performance may be executed during the variation performance of decorative symbols. That is, the image control microcomputer 101 analyzes the variable performance start command received from the sub-control board 90, reads out the corresponding data, and displays the image on the display screen 7a if an instruction to execute the acquisition performance is included. It is a performance that makes you feel.

[Acquisition performance A]
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the acquisition effect A. Note that acquisition performance A is a performance for acquiring items, and here, the number of items acquired is "3", acquisition with the performance button is divided into "2", and acquisition over time is divided into "1". (FIG. 21), and the effect button is obtained when it is pressed five times and when it is pressed three times (eight times in total) (FIG. 22). Further, it is assumed that the acquisition over time is acquired 5.1 seconds after the effect button 63 is activated (FIG. 23).

First, in acquisition effect A, as shown in FIG. 24(A), a variation start effect is executed. In this variation start production, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start varying at high speed. At the bottom of the screen, a pending image 9A and a pending image 9C are displayed. Note that a performance button 63 is shown on the right side of the display screen 7a (the same applies below).

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(B), a reach formation effect is executed. In the reach formation performance, the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same number. Here, both the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed as "5".

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(C), a continuous hit start effect is executed. The continuous hit start performance is a performance that prompts the player to press the performance button 63 (continuous hit). Here, a production button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and a message image MT saying "Consecutive Hits!" is displayed above the production button image BT. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left part of the display screen 7a.

When the player repeatedly presses the effect button 63 five times, an item acquisition effect is executed as shown in FIG. 24(D). Here, the first item image IG is displayed as an item that has been acquired. At this time, the effect button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and above the effect button image BT, a message image MT saying "Continuously hit!" is displayed. A valid period bar image YB indicating a valid period is displayed below the performance button image BT.

When the player repeatedly presses the effect button 63 three more times (eight times in total), an item acquisition effect is executed as shown in FIG. 24(E). Here, the second item image IG is displayed as an item that has been acquired. At this time, the effect button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and above the effect button image BT, a message image MT saying "Continuously hit!" is displayed. A valid period bar image YB indicating a valid period is displayed below the performance button image BT.

Immediately after 5.1 seconds after the validity period of the effect button 63 ends, the item acquisition effect is executed as shown in FIG. 24(F). Here, the third item image IG is displayed as an item that has been acquired. Note that the effect button image BT and the like are not displayed because their validity period has ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(G), a result notification effect is executed. The result notification performance is a performance that reports the number of items acquired. Here, three item images IG are displayed slightly to the right of the center of the display screen 7a. The item acquisition performance is performed a maximum of four times (FIG. 21), and the greater the number of items acquired, the higher the reliability of winning. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(H), a battle effect is executed. The battle performance is a performance in which an ally character and an enemy character engage in a battle. A win is confirmed when an ally character wins. Here, an ally character CRA and an enemy character CRB are displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(I), a victory performance is performed. The victory performance is a performance that notifies that an ally character has won. Here, an ally character CRA is displayed, and a message image MT saying "Victory" is displayed. This confirms the win. In this embodiment, a case of winning will be exemplified, but in case of loss, a defeat effect will be executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(J), a confirmed stop effect (win) is executed. The confirmed stop performance (win) is a performance in which the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R become doubles to notify a hit. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are all fixed and displayed as "5". In the case of a loss, a confirmed stop effect (loss) is executed. At this time, for example, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are fixed and displayed as "5", and the middle production symbol 8C is fixed and displayed as "6".

[Acquisition performance B]
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining acquisition effect B. Acquisition performance B is a performance for acquiring items, and here, the number of items acquired is "3", acquisition with the performance button is divided into "2", and acquisition over time is divided into "1". (FIG. 21), and the effect button is obtained when it is pressed five times and when it is pressed three times (eight times in total) (FIG. 22). Further, it is assumed that the acquisition over time is acquired 5.1 seconds after the effect button 63 is activated (FIG. 23).

First, in acquisition effect B, as shown in FIG. 25(A), a variation start effect is executed. In this variation start production, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start varying at high speed. At the bottom of the screen, a pending image 9A and a pending image 9C are displayed. Note that a performance button 63 is shown on the right side of the display screen 7a (the same applies below).

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(B), a reach formation effect is executed. In the reach formation performance, the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same number. Here, both the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed as "5".

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(C), a continuous hit start effect is executed. The continuous hit start performance is a performance that prompts the player to press the performance button 63 (continuous hit). Here, a production button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and a message image MT saying "Consecutive Hits!" is displayed above the production button image BT. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left part of the display screen 7a.

Here, it is assumed that the performance button 63 is not pressed by the player. At this time, 5.1 seconds after the validity period of the performance button 63 ends, the item acquisition performance is executed as shown in FIG. 25(D). Here, the first item image IG is displayed as an item that has been acquired. Note that the effect button image BT and the like are not displayed because their validity period has ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(E), a result notification effect is executed. The result notification performance is a performance that reports the number of items acquired. Here, one item image IG is displayed slightly to the right of the center of the display screen 7a. The item acquisition performance is performed a maximum of four times (FIG. 21), and the greater the number of items acquired, the higher the reliability of winning. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(F), a battle effect is performed. The battle performance is a performance in which an ally character and an enemy character engage in a battle. A win is confirmed when an ally character wins. Here, an ally character CRA and an enemy character CRB are displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(G), a victory performance is performed. The victory performance is a performance that notifies that an ally character has won. Here, an ally character CRA is displayed, and a message image MT saying "Victory" is displayed. This confirms the win. In this embodiment, a case of winning will be exemplified, but in case of loss, a defeat effect will be executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(H), a confirmed stop effect (win) is executed. The confirmed stop performance (win) is a performance in which the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R become doubles to notify a hit. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are all fixed and displayed as "5". In the case of a loss, a confirmed stop effect (loss) is executed. At this time, for example, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are fixed and displayed as "5", and the middle production symbol 8C is fixed and displayed as "6".

[Acquisition performance C]
FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the acquisition effect C. Acquisition performance C is another example of acquisition performance B. Note that acquisition performance C is a performance for acquiring items, and here, the number of items acquired is "3", acquisition with the performance button is divided into "2", and acquisition over time is divided into "1". (FIG. 21), and the effect button is obtained when it is pressed five times and when it is pressed three times (eight times in total) (FIG. 22). Further, it is assumed that the acquisition over time is acquired 5.1 seconds after the effect button 63 is activated (FIG. 23).

First, in acquisition performance C, as shown in FIG. 26(A), a fluctuation start performance is executed. In this variation start production, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start varying at high speed. At the bottom of the screen, a pending image 9A and a pending image 9C are displayed. Note that a performance button 63 is shown on the right side of the display screen 7a (the same applies below).

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(B), a reach formation effect is executed. In the reach formation performance, the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same number. Here, both the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed as "5".

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(C), a continuous hit start effect is executed. The continuous hit start performance is a performance that prompts the player to press the performance button 63 (continuous hit). Here, a production button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and a message image MT saying "Consecutive Hits!" is displayed above the production button image BT. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left part of the display screen 7a.

Here, it is assumed that the performance button 63 is not pressed by the player. At this time, 5.1 seconds after the validity period of the performance button 63 ends, the item acquisition performance is executed as shown in FIG. 26(D). Here, three item images IG are displayed, assuming that the items that were not acquired through repeated hits are also acquired. Note that the effect button image BT and the like are not displayed because their validity period has ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(E), a result notification effect is executed. The result notification performance is a performance that reports the number of items acquired. Here, three item images IG are displayed slightly to the right of the center of the display screen 7a. The item acquisition performance is performed a maximum of four times (FIG. 21), and the greater the number of items acquired, the higher the reliability of winning. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(F), a battle effect is performed. The battle performance is a performance in which an ally character and an enemy character engage in a battle. A win is confirmed when an ally character wins. Here, an ally character CRA and an enemy character CRB are displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(G), a victory effect is executed. The victory performance is a performance that notifies that an ally character has won. Here, an ally character CRA is displayed, and a message image MT saying "Victory" is displayed. This confirms the win. In this embodiment, a case of winning will be exemplified, but in case of loss, a defeat effect will be executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(H), a confirmed stop effect (win) is executed. The confirmed stop performance (win) is a performance in which the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R become doubles to notify a hit. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are all fixed and displayed as "5". In the case of a loss, a confirmed stop effect (loss) is executed. At this time, for example, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are fixed and displayed as "5", and the middle production symbol 8C is fixed and displayed as "6".

[Acquisition performance D]
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the acquisition effect D. Note that acquisition performance D is a performance that acquires the next performance to be executed, and here, the number of acquisitions is "3", the acquisition with the performance button is "2", and the acquisition with the passage of time is "1". ” (FIG. 21), and the performance button is obtained when it is pressed five times and when it is pressed three times (eight times in total) (FIG. 22). Further, it is assumed that the acquisition over time is acquired 5.1 seconds after the effect button 63 is activated (FIG. 23).

First, in the acquisition effect D, as shown in FIG. 27(A), a variation start effect is executed. In this variation start production, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start varying at high speed. At the bottom of the screen, a pending image 9A and a pending image 9C are displayed. Note that a performance button 63 is shown on the right side of the display screen 7a (the same applies below).

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(B), a reach formation effect is executed. In the reach formation performance, the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same number. Here, both the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed as "5".

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(C), a continuous hit start effect is executed. The continuous hit start performance is a performance that prompts the player to press the performance button 63 (continuous hit). Here, a production button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and a message image MT saying "Consecutive Hits!" is displayed above the production button image BT. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left part of the display screen 7a.

When the player repeatedly presses the performance button 63 five times, a performance acquisition performance is executed as shown in FIG. 27(D). Here, the performance acquisition image IG is displayed as the roulette performance obtained. At this time, the effect button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and above the effect button image BT, a message image MT saying "Continuously hit!" is displayed. A valid period bar image YB indicating a valid period is displayed below the production button image BT.

When the player repeatedly presses the performance button 63 three more times (eight times in total), a performance acquisition performance is executed as shown in FIG. 27(E). Here, the performance acquisition image IG is updated as having acquired the fortune-telling performance. At this time, the effect button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and above the effect button image BT, a message image MT saying "Continuously hit!" is displayed. A valid period bar image YB indicating a valid period is displayed below the performance button image BT.

Immediately after 5.1 seconds after the validity period of the performance button 63 ends, the performance acquisition performance is executed as shown in FIG. 27(F). Here, the performance acquisition image IG is updated as having acquired the battle performance. Note that the effect button image BT and the like are not displayed because their validity period has ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(G), a result notification effect is executed. The result notification performance is a performance that notifies the performance that is scheduled to be executed. Here, a message image MT "Battle Effect" is displayed at the lower center of the display screen 7a. The performance acquisition performance is performed up to four times, and the more the number of performances obtained, the higher the reliability of winning. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(H), a battle effect is executed. The battle performance is a performance in which an ally character and an enemy character engage in a battle. A win is confirmed when an ally character wins. Here, an ally character CRA and an enemy character CRB are displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(I), a victory performance is performed. The victory performance is a performance that notifies that an ally character has won. Here, an ally character CRA is displayed, and a message image MT saying "Victory" is displayed. This confirms the win. In this embodiment, a case of winning will be exemplified, but in case of loss, a defeat effect will be executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(J), a confirmed stop effect (win) is executed. The confirmed stop performance (win) is a performance in which the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R become doubles to notify a hit. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are all fixed and displayed as "5". In the case of a loss, a confirmed stop effect (loss) is executed. At this time, for example, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are fixed and displayed as "5", and the middle production symbol 8C is fixed and displayed as "6".

[Acquisition performance E]
FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the acquisition effect E. Note that acquisition performance E is a performance that acquires the next performance to be executed, and here, the number of acquisitions is "3", the acquisition with the performance button is "2", and the acquisition with the passage of time is "1". ” (FIG. 21), and the performance button is obtained when it is pressed five times and when it is pressed three times (eight times in total) (FIG. 22). Further, it is assumed that the acquisition over time is acquired 5.1 seconds after the effect button 63 is activated (FIG. 23).

First, in the acquisition effect E, as shown in FIG. 28(A), a variation start effect is executed. In this variation start production, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start varying at high speed. At the bottom of the screen, a pending image 9A and a pending image 9C are displayed. Note that a performance button 63 is shown on the right side of the display screen 7a (the same applies below).

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(B), a reach formation effect is executed. In the reach formation performance, the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same number. Here, both the left decorative pattern 8L and the right decorative pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed as "5".

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(C), a continuous hit start effect is executed. The continuous hit start performance is a performance that prompts the player to press the performance button 63 (continuous hit). Here, a production button image BT is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a, and a message image MT saying "Consecutive Hits!" is displayed above the production button image BT. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left part of the display screen 7a.

Here, it is assumed that the performance button 63 is not pressed by the player. At this time, 5.1 seconds after the validity period of the performance button 63 ends, the performance acquisition performance is executed as shown in FIG. 28(D). Here, the performance acquisition image IG is displayed as an image that has acquired the battle performance. Note that the effect button image BT and the like are not displayed because their validity period has ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(E), a result notification effect is executed. The result notification performance is a performance that notifies the performance that is scheduled to be executed. Here, a message image MT "Battle Effect" is displayed at the lower center of the display screen 7a. The performance acquisition performance is performed up to four times, and the more the number of performances obtained, the higher the reliability of winning. Furthermore, an ally character CRA is displayed at the upper left of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(F), a battle effect is performed. The battle performance is a performance in which an ally character and an enemy character engage in a battle. A win is confirmed when an ally character wins. Here, an ally character CRA and an enemy character CRB are displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(G), a victory performance is performed. The victory performance is a performance that notifies that an ally character has won. Here, an ally character CRA is displayed, and a message image MT saying "Victory" is displayed. This confirms the win. In this embodiment, a case of winning will be exemplified, but in case of loss, a defeat effect will be executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(H), a confirmed stop effect (win) is executed. The confirmed stop performance (win) is a performance in which the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R become doubles to notify a hit. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are all fixed and displayed as "5". In the case of a loss, a confirmed stop effect (loss) is executed. At this time, for example, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are fixed and displayed as "5", and the middle production symbol 8C is fixed and displayed as "6".

10. Effect examples, modification examples, and mode examples of this embodiment [Effect examples]
Examples of the effects of this embodiment are shown below.
[Effect 1]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when executing the acquisition effect, the number of operations of the effect button 63 is determined (FIGS. 22 and 20: Step S4504), and the timing of execution is determined based on the passage of time (FIG. 23, FIG. 20: Step S4505). As a result, the acquisition performance is executed by pressing the performance button 63 (FIGS. 24(D)(E), 27(D)(E)), and the acquisition performance is executed at the execution timing (FIG. 24(F)). , FIG. 25(D), FIG. 26(D), FIG. 27(F), FIG. 28(D)). According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the timing of execution due to the passage of time is set as the timing during the valid period in which the effect button 63 is valid (FIG. 23). According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 3]
In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the timing of execution based on the passage of time is set as the timing after the valid period in which the effect button 63 becomes valid (FIG. 23). According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the acquisition performance is a performance of acquiring a predetermined item (FIGS. 24, 25, and 26). According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 5]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the acquisition performance is a performance that determines the performance to be executed later (FIGS. 27 and 28). According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 6]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when the performance button 63 is not pressed, the item acquisition performance or performance acquisition performance based on the depression of the performance button 63 is not executed (FIGS. 25, 26, and 28). According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Modified example]
A modification of this embodiment is shown.
[Modification 1]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the execution timing is determined (FIG. 23), and the acquisition performance is executed at the determined execution timing (FIGS. 24(F), 25(D), 26(D) ), FIG. 27(F), FIG. 28(D)). On the other hand, a configuration may be adopted in which the acquisition performance is always performed immediately after the validity period of the performance button 63 ends.
[Modification 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the acquisition performance based on the lapse of time is performed after the validity period of the performance button 63, but when the acquisition performance based on the passage of time is performed within the validity period, the operation of the performance button 63 It is also conceivable that an acquisition effect based on the passage of time is performed first.
[Modification 3]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, an example was given in which the acquisition performance is executed a maximum of four times, but a configuration in which the acquisition performance is executed five or more times is effective in that it further increases variations.
[Modification 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the performance is configured using the performance button 63. On the other hand, it may be configured as an effect using a lever or the like that can be operated by the player. For example, the acquisition effect may be executed based on the number of times the sword member 64 is pushed.

[Example of mode]
The gaming machine of this embodiment can realize the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
an operation section that can be operated by the player;
A gaming machine capable of executing an acquisition effect according to the number of operations of the operation section,
Executing the acquisition performance when a predetermined number of operations is performed, and executing the acquisition performance when a specific period ends, regardless of whether the operation is performed before or after the predetermined number of operations.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 2]
The gaming machine according to aspect 1,
The specific period ends during a valid period during which pressing of the operation unit is valid.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 3]
The gaming machine according to aspect 1 or aspect 2,
The specific period ends after a valid period in which the pressing of the operation unit becomes valid.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 4]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 3,
The acquisition performance is a performance for acquiring a predetermined item.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 5]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 4,
The acquisition performance is a performance that determines a performance to be executed later.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 6]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 5,
When the predetermined number of operations is not performed, the acquisition performance based on the predetermined number of operations is not executed;
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Other variations]
Among the various display effects described above, a configuration that does not include some effects or effects other than those described above may be included.

Although the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment has been described using a pachinko gaming machine as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of a pachinko game machine, the present invention may be applied to a reel type game machine such as a slot machine, an arranged ball game machine, or a mahjong ball game machine. When the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine, the gaming medium may be changed from gaming balls to gaming medals.

Although the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above is a gaming machine equipped with a payout device for paying out balls, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the gaming machine 1 described above, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that is not equipped with a payout device, such as a so-called enclosed gaming machine.

Furthermore, two or more production examples and/or modifications among the plurality of production examples and/or modifications described above may be combined. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 may include a sub-display device in addition to the image display device 7. In this case, the above-described display effect may be executed on the sub display device.

Although the present aspect has been described above based on the embodiments and modified examples, the embodiments of the above-described aspect are for facilitating understanding of the present aspect, and do not limit the present aspect. This aspect may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and this aspect includes equivalents thereof.

1...Game machine 3...Game area 7...Image display device 7a...Display screen 63...Production button 81...Microcomputer for game control 91...Microcomputer for production control 101...Microcomputer for image control

Claims (1)

Equipped with an operation section that can be operated by the player,
A gaming machine capable of executing an acquisition effect that is an effect of acquiring an information image indicating the degree of expectation for winning ,
In the acquisition performance,
a first acquisition effect that is executed when the operation unit is operated a predetermined number of times, and obtains a predetermined number of the information images based on the predetermined number of operations;
A second step that is executed when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the time when the operation of the operation section became effective regardless of the operation of the operation section, and that acquires a predetermined number of the information images based on the predetermined time. Includes acquisition performance and,
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images